Scope suggestions

[Flipper]

I'm sure this is a repeat post of someones but thought I would get some thoughts on a new scope.  Currently have a Leupold VXII 3-9 but I'm looking to step up a notch or two.  Will be mounted on a 300 win mag.  Suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks.

[wraithen]

Step up in what way? More magnification? Better low light performance? More expensive status symbol?

[Bean Counter]

You already have a pretty good scope on there. Got good binos, too? I'd hate to see someone spend $1,000 on a better riflescope when theyre still mobbin' out with a $150 pair of binos.

+1 for wraithen's comments. Are you looking for more.magnification? A BDC reticle? Mildots? Or do you want the fancy knobs/ dials? How about a scope that integrates a laser rangefinder?

I have a similar scope to yours and since I have top shelf glass all the way around I am going to pick up a Zeiss Conquest 4-14 x44mm with the rapid Z800 reticle. those who prefer the dials/turrets often don't like the busyness that such a reticle puts in their FOV but I don't like messing with moving internal parts on a scope. I don't like the idea of clanging my rifle around on the rocks while I hunt and wondering if the calibration of those things getting out of whack

[Miles]

those who prefer the dials/turrets often don't like the busyness that such a reticle puts in their FOV but I don't like messing with moving internal parts on a scope. I don't like the idea of clanging my rifle around on the rocks while I hunt and wondering if the calibration of those things getting out of whack

  

I wouldn't be overly excited about "clanging" any rifle/scope "around on the rocks" while hunting.

   

[Bean Counter]

 I dont go out of my way to drop it and bang it around but with how hard I hunt its inevitable that its going to take some abuse. I hunt some really rocky areas.

My hunting rifle is a tool. Pretty rifles are for display cases. 

[Miles]

I agree about it being a tool... all of my rifles look like hell after a couple seasons.

Question though, do you feel that turrets have a higher failure rate because you can move the internal parts of the scope?   I'm just trying to make sense of that last part of your post, and how it relates to banging your scope around on rocks.   I'm referencing the portion of your post that reads "the calibration of those things".

[Miles]

Minox has some good glass and cameraland did have some deals on their scopes a while back.  You might pm Smdave or addicted as I know they have experience with them.   I have Minox binos and a spotter, both have really nice glass for the price.  I'm assuming when you say "step up" you are referring mostly to the glass??


Here's the thread I was thinking of:

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,83032.0.html

[Flipper]

Thanks guys.  I'm not real certain about some of the details you all listed as I'm not really educated on some of the lingo...  I'm definitely not looking for too many more frills, just a good quality scope that gathers good light and has the potential to help me out a little more with the longer shots.  I do have a good set of binos.

Thanks again.

[bobcat]

Stick with Leupold, just upgrade to a VX-III, maybe in a 4.5-14 if you want it for long range shooting.

I like to support companies that make their products in the USA whenever I can.

[RadSav]

Stick with Leupold, just upgrade to a VX-III, maybe in a 4.5-14 if you want it for long range shooting.

I like to support companies that make their products in the USA whenever I can.

I switched from the scope you have to the VXIII 4.5 - 14 BDC in my 7mm LR gun.  Very happy with it.  Works better than I do that's for sure.  I was going to go Swaro or Zeiss, but the crosshairs were too fine for my aging eyes.  Perhaps not as bright as those others, but definately bright enough to get the job done.  And probably none more durable.

[Bean Counter]

I agree about it being a tool... all of my rifles look like hell after a couple seasons.

Sounds good when Im six feet under I like the idea of my hunting rifle over my kids' fireplace with some real character sketches on it    if somebody sees a pristine hunting rifle and hear about grandpa's hunts I dont want them wondering if they ended in tag stew.

Question though, do you feel that turrets have a higher failure rate because you can move the internal parts of the scope?   I'm just trying to make sense of that last part of your post, and how it relates to banging your scope around on rocks.   I'm referencing the portion of your post that reads "the calibration of those things".

I have never been a scope manufacturer or repairman so I am not an expert. I just prefer to have less moving parts. Its a wonder they can make those dials so readily finger adjustable and yet holdup to the punishment of a .375 H&H magnum to keep its calibration or so they say. In the many times I have pointed guns at both humans and animals I firmly appreciate simplicity and IMHO a reticle with multiple lines achieves this end better than rotating knobs. But I can easily appreciate that some hunters and snipers cant stand all that shat in their FOV. So to each his own 

[Gringo31]

Stick with Leupold, just upgrade to a VX-III, maybe in a 4.5-14 if you want it for long range shooting

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I have 2.  There is a reason that I bought a second one for a different rifle several years later.   

[wraithen]

Flipper, there's some sound advice going around here. You can always customize your scope by the manufacturer as well. I suggest you research a bunch of different scope options and decide what you think you' prefer. Of course if money is absolutely no object go ahead and spend a few grand on a scope. The only caution I would offer is once you start getting way up there, you spend exponentially more money, for exponentially less in features an benefits.    I would also suggest looking at Nikons. They seem to be help side by side with Leupy's for a little less in cost.

[Biggerhammer]

Sold my stinking Leupold MK 4 and shoved it all Nightforces way. Here's Shawn at Hooked On Toys in Wenatchee fondling my latest piece of glass. Now I just need  BenchMark barrels to finish the rifle up.

[CAMPMEAT]

You don't need a $1500 scope to kill sumpin' with.......if you can see it, it's all good.